Overview

Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson, Jr. (born November 5, 1978) is an American professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour. He is left-handed and notable for an aggressive, power-oriented style of play that has produced some of the longest measured drives in professional golf. Watson is a two-time winner of The Masters Tournament and rose to as high as second place in the Official World Golf Ranking in early 2015. For an authoritative profile see his PGA Tour page.

Playing style and characteristics

Watson built a reputation as one of the longest hitters on tour, often using heavy clubhead speed and a pronounced draw to shape the ball around obstacles. His length off the tee has allowed him to reach or attack par-5 holes effectively and to convert scoring opportunities that shorter hitters do not have. He pairs driving distance with creativity around the greens, frequently employing unconventional shot shapes and recovery shots.

Career highlights

Watson's most prominent achievements are his major championships and multiple PGA Tour victories. He won The Masters Tournament twice, capturing the green jacket in 2012 and again in 2014, performances that defined his standing among elite players. In 2015 he reached a career-high world ranking of No. 2. Other notable victories include the Travelers Championship and victories in high-profile invitational events. He also won the unofficial Hero World Challenge, finishing an event 25 strokes under par and taking the winner's prize in that tournament; more details appear in contemporary coverage of the event here.

Selected achievements and wins

  • Two Masters Tournament titles (2012, 2014)
  • Multiple PGA Tour wins including prominent tour events and invitationals
  • Reached No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking (February 2015)

Incidents and public profile

Watson's candid personality has occasionally led to public attention beyond scoring. At one Phoenix Open he made comments about the host course that were unpopular with parts of the gallery; the exchange attracted media attention and was widely reported. The episode was followed shortly afterward by a tour victory, underscoring the ups and downs that can occur in a high-profile professional career. Contemporary coverage of that tournament and the associated discussion can be found here.

Legacy and notable facts

Watson is widely recognized for changing how power is valued on the PGA Tour, proving that extreme distance combined with imagination around the golf course can produce major championship success. He is also one of the more visible left-handed champions in the modern era of golf. Profiles and retrospectives that summarize his technique and influence are available from multiple golf outlets, including summaries of his major wins and career milestones here.